Category: Uncategorized

  • Nara in One Day: Horyuji Temple bus & Todaiji's Nandaimon

    Nara in One Day: Horyuji Temple bus & Todaiji’s Nandaimon

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:40-11:30 Horyuji Temple bus
    • 12:10 Horyuji Station
    • 12:30 JR Nara (lunch at Yayoi-ken)　 Taxi
    • 12:50-13:10 Ukigumo-enchi in Deer Park
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:20-50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine 　 walk 10 minutes
    • 14:00 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 14:10-30 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall　 walk 5 minutes
    • 14:40 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:50-15:20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:30-40 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • 　 walk 5 minutes and bus
    • 16:40 JR Nara Station (End of Tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Horyuji Temple The guests were visitors from the Middle East. They kindly shared a great deal about their home region, which made it feel much more familiar to me. We had planned to meet near Horyuji Station just before 10:00, but due to a JR train accident the schedule was disrupted, and the guests had to take a taxi from Nara Station to the front of the Nandaimon Gate of Horyuji Temple. Horyuji was a strong request from the guests, and although it was difficult to fit into the itinerary, it is truly the best place to explain temples from the Asuka and Nara periods. One of the guests seemed to be in some discomfort during the afternoon, possibly due to the heat, which was unfortunate. They were staying at a hotel in the Nakagyo Ward area of Kyoto.

    Click here for more details: Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Horyuji Temple～Horyuji Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainHoryuji Temple～Nara240JPY
    Section 3BusTodaiji Great Buddha Hall / National Museum～JR Nara Station250JPY
    Total710JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

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    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet
    • 9:20-10:10 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 10:40-12:00 Higashiyama Area
    • 12:30-13:00 Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Higashiyama Area I guided a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. I showed them the places they had requested in advance. Since they had visited Kanazawa Castle, I focused my explanation on the differences in architectural features between that and the Imperial Palace. They enjoyed the very quiet and solemn atmosphere. In the Higashiyama area, I asked whether they preferred a quiet atmosphere or the famous but crowded spots, and since they chose the quieter option, I guided them to Chion-in Temple and Maruyama Park. I also showed them Gion, and we walked to Nishiki Market, where they enjoyed tempura and other dishes at a recommended shop.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusDoshisha-mae～Chion-in-mae230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

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    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu temple & Buy the ticket for returning Tokyo

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu temple & Buy the ticket for returning Tokyo

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kyoto station pick up
    • 10:10-10:30 to Kiyomizu temple
    • 10:30-11:30 At Kiyomizu temple
    • 11:30-12:00 To Kinkakuji
    • 12:10-13:00 At Kinkakuji
    • 13:00-13:10 To Kitano Tenmangu
    • 13:15-13:40 At Kitano Tenmangu
    • 13:45-14:00 To Nijo Castle
    • 14:10+-15:00 At Nijo Castle
    • 15:05-15:20 To Kyoto station
    • 15:20-15:40 Buy the ticket for returning Tokyo.

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a person visiting from North America. The meeting at Kyoto Station did not go smoothly and took a little time, but we managed to meet with a loss of just over ten minutes. As arranged beforehand, we visited Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle. In addition, we stopped by Kitano Tenmangu along the way. Since there was still some time, I thought about guiding them to the Imperial Palace or Hongan-ji, but the guest said they would prefer to move up their schedule and return to Tokyo, so we headed to Kyoto Station early and tried to change the ticket. However, possibly due to a login issue, the time change could not be made, so the guest purchased a new ticket for an earlier time, and we ended the tour there. We had many topics in common, such as marathons, and it was an enjoyable tour.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by KAZU

    Hi, every one. How have you been? I am JGA tour guide Kazu. It is my great pleasure that I can introduce myself here. I am already more than 70 years old, but I believe I am still young both mentally and physically. I like walking with my customers very much. I am from Tokyo, but now

    I live in Kyoto traditional city and an old capital of Japan. I had worked at electric manufacturing company for more than 40 years. While I was working at that company, fortunately I had a lot of chances to visit many foreign countries.

    I lived in Singapore, Malaysia, Poland and Mexico. Also I visited America, Britain, and other countries. Basically I used English to proceed my job there, however I always tried to speak local languages as much as possible. Through staying other countries, I found that there were great differences of the culture or the way of thinking between those countries and Japan. I though I had a valuable experience. After I retired from the company 5 years ago, I began to work as a tour guide although I got the National English tour guide license 7 years ago. Besides English I speak Spanish but I don’t have Spanish tour guide license yet. I belong to the comany JGA and worked around 10 days a month. So far I accompanied with mu customers more than 100 groups. All of my tour was good and lucky as I was always favored with gentle and kind customers.

    My hobby is playing the guitar, dancing and learning foreign languages. I sometimes join the concert by playing the guitar, and it is fun for me. Though I like dancing, I can not dance well. I only enjoy dancing here in Japan.

    About the tour in Japan, I usually take my tourists to the famous spots in Kyoto like Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu dera, Fushimi inari, Gion area,Nishiki market and Arashiyama area. In Arashiyama area we often visit Bamboo forest,Nonomiya shrine,Togetsukyou bridge and Kimono forest. I will cope with my customers demands as much as possible so that I try to visit any places up to your requests.

    I welcome a lot for your coming to Japan. and if possible I would like to help you to visit various kind of spots in Japan especially in Kyoto. JGA is very flexible company so that I have a confidence that you will be satisfied with our attitude and hospitality. I am glad that many of my customers told that it was so nice to travel around Japan. We will and I will expect you come down to Japan any time and we are ready to help your memorable trip in Japan. I can not wait!

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    Sep 26, 2025
    kaylah199
    Amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was extraordinary! He planned a wonderful day for…

    Jul 30, 2024
    Venture826497
    Great time in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My daughter and I had an amazing time…

    Jul 8, 2024
    233vickies
    6 hour Kyoto tour with Kazu
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Government-Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

    Jun 21, 2024
    Hoc_N
    A fascinating experience in Kyoto we won’t forget
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The most memorable parts…

  • Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Cloudy weather so Mt. Fuji was not visible, and additionally strong winds put the ropeway and pirate ship in a suspended/cancelled state. After consulting with the guests and the driver, we decided on the following.
    • 8:00 meet, 8:30 Hakone Shrine, Red Torii Gate, headed directly to Lake Yamanaka, 10:30 viewed the magnificent scenery of Mt. Fuji at Lake Yamanaka, 12:00 returned to Hakone-machi, Hakone Checkpoint Ruins, Old Tokaido Cedar Avenue, Maruyama Bussan, 13:30 from Hakone-machi via the new road to Hakone-Yumoto. Since the guests said they would go to their hotel in Ikebukuro, I assisted with purchasing the 14:48 Romancecar tickets and, after explaining how to get there, we parted at 14:10.
    • dismissed

    Title: What Is a Private Fuji and Hakone Day Tour Like from a Licensed Guide? A Japan Guide Agency Report As noted in the tour route, the day involved a rather unconventional sequence of movements, but everything proceeded smoothly through constant coordination between the guests and the driver. Thanks to the early start, photographing the red torii gate, which normally takes nearly two hours, was completed in just fifteen minutes. At Lake Yamanaka, a perfectly clear Mount Fuji greeted us, and the guests were delighted to finally see the long-awaited Mount Fuji, taking many photographs. The yosegi marquetry presentation at the local shop drew applause and photos, and the guests also purchased souvenirs. As they had an interest in Japanese history, the Hakone Checkpoint ruins and the cedar avenue were ideal spots. Having traveled through Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, and Takayama, I imagine the guests were tired, but they remained very energetic, and we all enjoyed a pleasant time together.

    Click here for more details: Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

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    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Hakodate Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Hakodate Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Hakodate Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Wakamatsu Wharf ⇒9:10 Free Market (enjoy king crab and hairy crab) ⇒ 11:00 Goryokaku Park ⇒ Ishizaki Jinushi Kaijin Shrine (double cherry blossoms in full bloom) ⇒13:00 Rokkatei (buy Japanese sweets) ⇒ Mount Hakodate ⇒14:00 Tour the Motomachi district and move to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
    • ⇒15:00 Guide to dining and shopping spots at the Red Brick Warehouse complex ⇒15:15 Tour ends. The guests decided to take their time and return to the ship on their own.

    Title: What's a Private Sightseeing Tour in Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their second time in Japan, and they were able to speak simple Japanese without any trouble. The group got along wonderfully, and walking was no problem for anyone. Since we had exchanged messages many times through a messaging app, I knew that food was their top expectation, and that they especially loved mochi and manju, so I chose the destinations around those interests and sent them an illustrated itinerary with photos in advance. At the market, the guests cheered at the impressive king crabs and hairy crabs, and at the lively fresh fish moving about on the ice. When I took them to a traditional Japanese sweets shop, the guests said they had a real weakness for sweets and did quite a bit of shopping with delighted expressions. They exclaimed with joy wherever we went, which was truly rewarding as a guide. The Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in the city had already finished and turned to green leaves, so we visited Ishizaki Jinushi Kaijin Shrine, a spot not widely known even among locals. There, 180 double-flowered cherry trees were in full bloom, and the guests were moved by the breathtaking beauty.

    Click here for more details: Hakodate Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Keichan

    Hello, my name is Keiko Ichinei. I was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Hakodate is located in the southernmost in Hokkaido, so compared with Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Hakodate is not so cold or hot all through the year, very moderate climate and comfortable to live in.

    Hakodate has been chosen one of the three most popular destinations for travelers in Japan, including Kyoto and Sapporo. A few years ago Hakodate was chosen number one for three years consecutively. Why don’t you come to Hakodate and find why Hakodate is so popular?
    My family consists of four: husband, daughter and son. My husband is an alpine photographer and is a curator of his own photo museum. His museum is not in Hakodate but in Asahikawa city, 400 km away from Hakodate. The museum opens on May 1 and closes at the end of October, because it’s too cold there in winter time. That means we live separately for 6 months every year. We enjoy this kind of life style, because, you know, “A mouse will have to play when a cat is away !”
    I have five grandchildren. My two kids and all my grandchildren are so gentle and kind and always support me, to my thanks.

    I used to be an English teacher at a junior-senior high school for about 24 years while working as an interpreter and a tour guide sometimes. I love kids, flowers and dogs. However, I wanted to be a “through guide”, who accompanies the clients for a few weeks traveling all the way together with them. Consequently, I quit being a teacher in 2015 and decided to focus on guiding since then.
    As an interpreter, I have experienced in a wide range of fields, including interpretation for VIPs and seminars, facility and factory tours, and medical interpretation at hospitals.

    I believe that my job is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so my priority is to create as many happy memories as possible. I will do my best to make sure that you return home fully satisfied and with a smile on your face

    Request Booking

    Apr 20, 2026
    Gail_H
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great private tour of Hakodate!
    We had a great tour of Hakodate…

    Apr 1, 2026
    Sandra_G
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakodate
    Our guide tour in Hakodate keiko was great. Very knowledgeable of…

    Oct 8, 2025
    Edward_P
    Great full day
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full day of fun and cultural experiences with our…

    Apr 29, 2025
    monika_everywhere
    Beautiful – even on a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meeting point: Hotel Annex Rokku
    • 10:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 12:15 Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 13:00 Tokyo Station (ticket purchase support)
    • 13:40 Lunch: The City Bakery
    • 14:30 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 15:30 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing)
    • 15:40 Dismissal: Shibuya

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Hamarikyu Gardens The guests were visitors from Europe who were well versed in Japanese history and were aware that trade with the Netherlands took place while Japan was under its policy of national isolation. Regarding the Imperial Palace, I informed them that the East Gardens were closed, but since they still very much wanted to visit, I guided them around the outer gardens. They also expressed a wish to visit Shinjuku Gyoen, but as it was closed that day, I proposed Hamarikyu Gardens as an alternative, and in the end they were very pleased with it. They had no particular preferences for lunch and said a salad or a sandwich would be fine, so I took them to a sandwich shop near Tokyo Station (in OAZO), which they also enjoyed. As they planned to travel from the next day through Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, they wanted to buy tickets, so I supported their purchase at Tokyo Station, suggesting the most efficient and economical method, for which they were grateful. When I proposed a more affordable option, they were very happy, which made the assistance especially worthwhile.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Shimbashi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi～Hibiya178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTokyo～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya178JPY
    Total785JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Request Booking

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1)10:00 Hotel (meet), take a taxi to Myoshinji Temple
    • 2)10:20-11:30 Myoshinji Temple (Hojo, Hatto, Taizoin), take a taxi to Nijo Castle
    • 3)12:00-12:50 Nijo Castle, take a taxi to the restaurant (around Sanjo)
    • 4)13:10-14:00 Lunch, take a taxi to Sanjusangendo
    • 5)14:20-15:00 Sanjusangendo, take a taxi to the hotel
    • 6)15:10 Farewell

    Title: What Is a Relaxed Private Kyoto Tour Like for Guests Preferring Less Walking? A Licensed Guide's Report Considering the itinerary, the group decided, after discussion, to focus on flat sites with short walking distances and fewer crowds, moving between them by taxi. On the day, we visited Myoshin-ji Temple, and the guests seemed to enjoy the cloud dragon painting in the Hatto (Dharma Hall) and the garden of Taizo-in, remarking that it was pleasant with few tourists. One of the guests seemed to love gardens and took many photographs. At Nijo Castle, after touring the Ninomaru Palace, one of the guests rested rather than going to the Ninomaru Garden, so during that time I guided another of the guests to the Ninomaru Garden, where they took a selfie of the two of us together. For lunch, one of the guests did not care for fish and ordered meat, finishing the entire plate. At Sanjusangen-do, since a tour group had begun viewing the Buddhist statues, I guided the guests to the garden first. Partway through, one of the guests wished to take a break, so I guided another of the guests around the garden. Afterward, the guests admired the many Buddhist statues. As a word of encouragement, I mentioned that the large statue of Kannon Bodhisattva was created by a sculptor named Tankei at the age of 82, which surprised them. After the visit, I asked how they would like to spend the remaining time, and they said they would return to their accommodation, so I saw them off by taxi near the Hotel and we parted there. Afterward, one of the guests kindly sent me the selfie by email.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Nice to meet you.
    My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
    Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
    I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

    I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
    How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

    By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

    My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
    You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

    I look forward to meeting you.
    Best regard.

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    Nov 27, 2024
    Julianne_A
    Book it
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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:55 Meet up @THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA
    • 2. 10:05 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:35 Stay @Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 11:35 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:55 Stay @Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 6. 13:10 Lunch @Aen
    • 7. 14:05 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:35 Stay @Asakusa
    • 9. 15:40 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 16:10 Disband @THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA

    What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Asakusa, and More The guests were visitors from North America. I matched the pace to the guests, and at each spot we walked relatively long distances. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the guests kindly paid my admission fee as well, so I have not included it in this tour's reimbursable expenses. The guests seemed to enjoy plants, and I focused on the roses, which were in full bloom. For lunch, I guided them to a Japanese restaurant inside a department store building; this place has plenty of seating and is not very crowded on weekdays, so I consider it a hidden gem. After showing them around Asakusa, I had planned to conclude the tour by taking them to the Tokyo National Museum, but as they were somewhat tired and it was close to the scheduled end time, we returned from Asakusa to Shimbashi, where the Hotel was located, and parted ways in front of the Hotel.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi Station～Meiji-jingumae Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShinjuku-sanchome Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa Station～Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:10 Meet up @ Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho
    • 2. 10:20 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 11:05 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 11:20 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:05 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 6. 13:10 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 13:35 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens Otemon Gate
    • 8. 13:55 Travel: Subway
    • 9. 14:20 Disband @ Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and the Imperial Palace The guest's arrival at the lobby was slightly delayed. Because some travel fatigue remained and walking the full course together was not feasible, I ended up guiding one member of the group on their own. The guest, who mentioned having a background in nursing, was very sociable, and we were able to conduct the tour while enjoying conversation throughout. Since there was a request not to spend too much time on meals, we had a light snack near Nakamise-dori. Because the hotel was located somewhat far away and we spent more time than expected in Asakusa, at the Imperial Palace I limited the tour to the area around Otemon Gate. As the guest wished to leave the hotel at 15:00 to head to Yokohama, we went directly from Otemachi to Kinshicho and parted ways in front of the Hotel.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKinshicho Station～Shibuya Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassShibuya Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa Station～Otemachi Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassOtemachi Station～Kinshicho Station0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Market & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Market & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09：00　 Meet up ＠MONday Apart Premium Ginza
    • 09：20　 Tsukiji Market
    • 10：30　Akihabara
    • 12：00　Lunch ＠Tanaka Soba Shop (Asakusa)
    • 12：40　Sensoji Temple
    • 13：30　Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (Asakusa Observation Cafe)
    • 14：30　Imperial Palace
    • 15：50　Tokyo Tower
    • 17：10　Disband ＠MONday Apart Premium Ginza

    What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Akihabara, Asakusa, and Tokyo Tower The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and they planned to travel to Kyoto after sightseeing in Tokyo. The group had originally been expected to be larger, but one of them had to delay their arrival in Japan due to work, so the group was smaller than planned. At Tsukiji Market, the guests seemed surprised by the many shops of the Tsukiji fish market and the outer market, as well as by the large number of tourists. In Akihabara, some of the guests enjoyed shopping for clothing and anime-related goods at Yodobashi Camera, Uniqlo, and Don Quijote. In Asakusa, they enjoyed shopping along Nakamise Street and the view from the Asakusa Observation Cafe at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Tokyo Tower, the guests seemed impressed by the magnificent view of Tokyo. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji～Akihabara700JPY
    Section 2SubwaySuehirocho～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Yurakucho0JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae～Kamiyacho0JPY
    Section 5SubwayKamiyacho～Tsukiji0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
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    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
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    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

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    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
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    We had a great time learning about…